Local Communities Recognize Survivors of Suicide

Saturday, November 17th marks International Survivors of Suicide Loss day where people all over the world navigate feelings of loss and grief together and recognize they're not alone in their journey.

To assist in productive, positive, and kind conversations with those who have lost a loved one, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has developed tips on talking to suicide loss survivors:

1. There is no one right thing to say: Don’t feel pressured to say the right thing. Be a patient, and non-judgmental listener. This will allow those grieving a safe space to voice anger, frustration, sadness, or even relief.
2. Don’t be intrusive: If the survivor of suicide loss doesn’t bring up a suicide method, assume they would rather not talk about it. If they do bring up their method, don’t ask for details beyond what the survivor offers.
3. Be proactive: Repeatedly offer support. A person may not know what assistance they need in the days immediately following a loss. Offering concrete assistance, like running to the grocery store or picking a child up from school, could be something a suicide loss survivor hasn’t thought about. Repeatedly offering will show you’re genuinely concerned.
4. Be patient: Don’t place a timeline on grief. Grieving and healing a loss of someone to suicide is a lifelong journey. Avoid using phrases like “this too shall pass” and “time heals all.” This can equate to someone saying, “get over it” and the loss survivor feeling pressured to do just that- get over it.
5. Don’t disappear: The time immediately following a death by suicide can be a time of shock. Often it takes weeks to months for the reality of what has happened to settle in. Continue to check in on them and let them know that you’re thinking of them. Remind them you’re available if they need someone to talk to, additional assistance, or just a listening ear.

To find a Survivor of Suicide event in your local community, visit: www.afsp.org. If you’d like to talk to someone, call OCHN’s access number: 248-464-6363. A professional can help determine where your needs can be met based on the severity and urgency of your situation.